Marin's Black Friday woos around-the-clock shoppers

Marin County merchants are gearing up for another wild and crazy, shop-until-you-drop Black Friday, the big sales day after Thanksgiving that draws crowds looking for good deals.

Some retailers who bank on getting rid of red ink and going into the black the day after Thanksgiving are launching Black Friday sales festivities on Thursday, allowing early birds to work off that turkey dinner on a marathon shopping sprint.

Several thousand excited bargain hunters are expected to hit Marin's retail circuit in the wee hours before Friday dawns. Last year, hundreds of families were out in force, generating an atmosphere that took on the aura of a rock concert as they stood in line at Marin outlets, including Best Buy, Toys R Us, Target, Old Navy, Macy's, Sears and Kohl's.

There will be even more action for shopaholics this year, as the all-nighter will start earlier at Sears and Toys R Us in San Rafael, which welcome shoppers at 8 p.m. Thursday, and Target in Novato, which opens at 9 p.m. Thursday.

Many others who participate in the around-the-clock hoopla will open at midnight, including Macy's and Best Buy in San Rafael, as well as Old Navy in Novato.

All promise bargains galore — especially for those who check in early and get a place at the head of the line, or show up at odd hours to get special "doorbuster" deals intended to keep crowds flowing in. Other merchants plan varying hours to cash in on the shopping mania, offering special deals and coupons, such as a 25 percent off pass offered by CVS.

For dedicated customers who get there early, Best Buy issues tickets two hours before midnight that are good for super deals, like a 40-inch Toshiba HDTV for $179 — a $240 saving.

Last year, the first person got there 32 hours early, heading a line of more than 500 at midnight that included several company employees who said prices were so low they beat the staff discount. "We are expecting a big crowd," a Best Buy sales manager said.

Over at Target, the come-ons include a 32-inch Apex HDTV for $147, or a 50-inch Westinghouse for $349.

Crowds line up hours early for the special tickets that provide premium deals.

At Sears, where savvy shoppers can pick up a Craftsman 18-volt drill and driver for $29, or a Kenmore washer-dryer set at 50 percent off, special deals will be offered around the clock to make sure sales clerks are busy at all times, including 4 a.m.

At Old Navy, "everything will be on sale," said operations manager Dan Christiansen.

"Doorbuster sales will change" with the clock, he added. Customers will find denim jeans for $15, boots for $12 and fleece jackets for $5. First in line will get a door prize.

Bargains are available at other stores, too, although some are shrouded in secrecy.

Mum was the word at Toys R Us, where staffer Alma Pulido said the good deals were a "top secret," but added there will be plenty of them.

"There will be lots of things on sale," she said. "It's Black Friday."

One veteran of the all-night shopping frenzy says he intends to do it again this year, arriving early Thursday to score a prime spot in the Best Buy line.

"We're going to be there again," said Kevin Hall of Novato, adding he has his eyes on a television for $179 as well as other computer and electronic gear.

Last year, Hall said he spent $1,800 snapping up bargains for his family and friends.

Those who want to make the most of the Black Friday circuit can prepare for the big night, early morning and day by doing a little homework.

Call retailers or check out their websites to find out about store openings, best deals and discounts. Be sure to check out websites that track sales deals, including BlackFriday.com, FatWallet.com. or bfads.net.

Amazon and other online retail sites allow shoppers to stay home and beat the crowds.